ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – A Delta County woman will face State Representative Dave Prestin at the polls this November.
Christiana Reynolds announced her candidacy for Michigan’s 108th District seat on April 23. A teacher at Rapid River Public Schools, Reynolds also refers to herself as a “community activist,” having been involved in local politics and government since 2021.
“I started attending County Commission meetings,” she said. “I got involved in the recall effort and have been a founder of the Delta County Citizens for Ethical Leadership. I think local politics is one of the easiest ways to make a positive impact in your community, and I really strive to serve the community in which I live and make it better.”
Reynolds also held a position on the City of Escanaba Planning Commission, recently resigning to declare her candidacy for the Michigan House of Representatives 108th District seat. Despite her experience, Reynolds says the idea to run was not her own.
“I received a few phone calls of my supporters asking me to run in this election,” she said.”I was, at first, a little hesitant. It’s a little late in the game, especially to declare candidacy, but I talked it over with my family, and that’s what convinced me was just this overwhelming support.”
As a teacher, one of Reynolds’ major concerns is education. Her platform also focuses on issues she says can be tackled at the state level—accessible childcare, affordable housing, and investing in the district’s economy.
“A lot of people in our community are saddened when young people end up leaving for more opportunities or opportunities elsewhere,” Reynolds said. “When I think about the future of the 108, I think of my own children. I want my kids to stay close to me. I want to be a part of the solution and make the 108 a more sustainable community so that our young people don’t feel like they have to move away to pursue opportunities.”
Reynolds says she hopes to inspire others to take initiative on the issues that are important to them as she enters the race for the State House of Representatives.
“I want people to be encouraged to get involved in politics in whatever capacity that they feel comfortable with,” she said. “I think the best thing for a community is to have people on fire who want to do the right thing and are in it for the right reasons.”
WZMQ 19 reached out to Representative Prestin for comment but has not received a response.
